The official list for the Celebrating Young People Awards 2019 was announced in London’s West End on the 3 July. Nominations has been gathered from schools, parishes and organisations across England and Wales. The awards, powered by Million Minutes, honour the achievements of those young people who make our communities and our world a better place. Their achievements are a witness to all of us of the dedication that young people have to make a difference.

Young people were nominated in six categories, each celebrating a different aspect of Catholic social teaching lived out in action. The CYMFed Inspiring Youth Leader and the overall Pope Francis Award, presented by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, were also named during the evenings celebrations.

The nominations recounted examples of ordinary young people with extraordinary commitment. We heard of young people taking the initiative to find new ways to serve those around them, alongside others who tirelessly and without complaint get on with the challenging situations they find themselves in - often resulting in the most inspiring examples of social action. There were mental health champions, youth safety ambassadors, eco warriors, volunteers, and campaigners, to name just a few.